Ben Affleck has sparked excitement among music fans by naming his all-time favorite rappers, offering a rare look into his personal hip-hop influences. In a recent interview with Complex, Ben Affleck unveiled his hip-hop Mount Rushmore, sharing an eclectic selection that crossed both eras and regional styles, and highlighting his deep appreciation for the genre.
Discussing his choices, Ben Affleck acknowledged the difficulty of choosing just four artists, given hip-hop’s rich history. Ultimately, he named Lil Wayne, Eazy-E, Slick Rick, and Kendrick Lamar as his personal icons. Each artist, he said, represents a key point in the evolution of rap and reflects moments that resonated with his own experiences. Lil Wayne’s prolific lyricism, Eazy-E’s West Coast legacy, Slick Rick’s vivid storytelling, and Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning prowess offer a blend of styles that showcase Affleck’s engagement with a wide spectrum of hip-hop.
“It’s almost impossible to narrow it down, but for me, these names stand out not just for their music, but for how they pushed the culture forward,” Ben Affleck shared, emphasizing the enduring impact these artists have had both on the industry and on him personally.
Ben Affleck is best known for his award-winning film career, as well as his directing achievements, yet his genuine connection to hip-hop is evident. He grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has long maintained friendships with figures tied to the music industry, including actor and former rapper Mark Wahlberg. Affleck has also collaborated with well-known hip-hop artists on various projects, such as including Boston rapper George “Slaine” Carroll Jr. in his film “Gone Baby Gone” and co-starring in a high-profile Super Bowl commercial with Ice Spice.
This public acknowledgment of his musical heroes reveals Ben Affleck’s multifaceted interests and underscores the influence hip-hop has had on different generations, including celebrated actors. His list may lead to renewed conversations about generational icons in rap, as Affleck’s selections bridge foundational eras and modern innovation. Fans and music enthusiasts now anticipate further dialogue, hoping his unexpected lineup inspires more artists to spotlight their own major influences.
